Windows 7 RTM begins rollout August 6th, OEMs and some beta testers to get early headstart

So last we heard Windows 7 would be officially hitting RTM status some time this month, but as to when we'd be able to get our hands on it, turns out that's a very tricky question. According to the official Windows blog, OEMs will be able to get it approximately two days after the OS goes RTM, and beta testers who are already subscribed to TechNet can download RTM shortly after it happens for free. Independent software and hardware vendors can download via Microsoft Connect / MSDN on August 6th. Same goes for MSDN-subscribed developers and IT Professionals with a TechNet account, but only the English language version. Microsoft Partner Program Gold / Certified members can join the fun August 16th via Microsoft Partner Network portal on the 16th, and Action Pack Subscribers on August 23rd -- both also English only. All other language versions for those groups are due out by October 1st.

Finally, if you don't happen to fall in any of those categories, Microsoft is happy to remind you that Release Candidate doesn't start giving the annoying reboots until March 1st, 2010, with full expiration happening June 1st -- plenty of time to avoid picking up a copy if you didn't get a chance to pre-order at the much more reasonable discount price.

[MarnBeast Posted Jul 21st 2009 9:45PM]

lol, sure buddy, that's why you felt like you needed to come in here and check it out, right?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 22nd 2009 1:06AM]

I really can't wait to install Windows 7 on my main desktop. I finally upgraded to Vista this year (for good that is, had the disc for years) and it actually runs quite fast for me and even faster then XP based on my experience. All my old, outdated programs crash a lot though (Dreamweaver 8 and CuteFTP)


Does anyone know what versions of Windows 7 support dynamic raid disks? Probably only business and ultimate like with Vista.

I have Windows 7 on an old HP 17" Core 2 Duo 1.5ghz laptop and it runs really well. Some steam games I can't get to run, but no big deal.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 22nd 2009 1:40AM]

nice baby! I can finally venture out from the land of Vista and into the cool calm beach of Windows 7.....ahhh
*no sarcasm intended*

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 22nd 2009 2:23AM]

I have a question about RTM...Does this mean by Aug. 6th (sometime near there), that the Windows 7 RTM will be like the Windows 7 that's coming out in October? Will it update, function, etc like the Windows 7 in October?
Last but not least...I was wondering if I torrent this, can it be cracked into the final version of Windows 7? Or do I have to install the final version when it comes out in October?
THANKS! :D!!!

[jakem Posted Jul 22nd 2009 4:53AM]

@Doug: An even better question would be, what does Snow Leopard offer that Windows 7 doesn't and the answer would be nothing. In fact, most of the improvements being touted in Snow Leopard have been available in Windows for years.

Snow Leopard may well be a useful upgrade for existing Mac users but it doesn't offer any killer feature that would drive additional Mac sales.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 22nd 2009 8:55AM]

Man, why did I bother with the last RC? If it was so close to RTM why didn't they just hold off? Oh well, hopefully my work will get it to me soon so I can put it through its paces.

Jeff
http://www.techbuoy.com

[aeth Posted Jul 22nd 2009 10:05AM]

damn you Australia and your not having this offer

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 22nd 2009 10:30AM]

I'll just get my copy from my MSDN account. Unfortunately I'll have to buy a copy for my wife, but the college offers those wonderful discounts so shouldn't be bad. :D

[Garst Posted Jul 22nd 2009 9:41PM]

I can't wait until I'll be able to use my computer to record 3 shows at once